How Do We Instill a Love for Arabic Among Our Children?

Young Arabs are increasingly eschewing their mother tongue in favor of English language. The reasons behind this shift range from the globalization of popular culture to the misconception that the Arabic language is dry and difficult to comprehend. The accompanying Arabic language article highlights efforts by the likes of Qatar Foundation and Hamad bin Khalifa University Press to redress the balance, including through the "Karim and Hanan Learn Arabic" book series. Written by award-winning author Basma ElKhatib, the series introduces Arabic language basics in a simplified and enjoyable manner for children under seven and stresses the need to cultivate a love for the language from early childhood. The article also encourages a shift in collective awareness, urging people to appreciate Arabic for its conciseness, depth, and rhetorical beauty, underlying its irreplaceable role in preserving cultural identity and enriching society.

Read the full article here.